The Ashcombe School is well known for its innovative use of ICT in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning.DIVERSE 2009 presentation abstract
The iPhone: a cool tool for learning?
At DIVERSE 2007, I presented 'The Video iPod as an Interactive Learning Tool', examining the potential of the device to deliver learning experiences. Read more
The subsequent launch of the iPhone, with its web browser and 3G/wi-fi connectivity, led me to reassess the project.
The iPhone was always going to be the accessory of choice for the technorati and fashion-conscious but, as an educationalist, I am keen to harness its potential as a learning tool. Drawing on Apple's iPhone Developer resources, I was first able to prove the concept and have now moved on to developing a selection of web-based interactive learning activities.
I have successfully begun re-writing some of my existing materials, and by the time of DIVERSE 2009, there will be a range of resources for students and delegates to assess.
To experience this on your iPhone or iPod Touch, go to http://tinyurl.com/iphone-ipod
The above URL offers a menu of resources for Foreign Language students. They are envisaged as an alternative/addition to those hosted on the school's website. However, they also function as standalone exercises for anyone who wishes to practise their language skills. Current materials each comprise a video clip of a native speaker, followed by an online, self-checking quiz, together with transcripts in the target language and English. In the spirit of sharing experimental data, I propose to cover:
- The underlying concept
- Project background (including résumé of earlier project)
- Technical background
- Examples of materials
- User feedback
Haven't got an iPhone? Get a feel for how it works by using Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome (not IE). Note that, as the videos are optimised for 3G and wi-fi for iPhone, they will not play on a desktop/laptop computer.